First week of veto session wraps up with little legislative movement

First week of veto session wraps up with little legislative movement

First week of veto session wraps up with little legislative movement 

Lawmakers to return to Capitol Nov. 7 to address lingering issues

By ANDREW ADAMS 
Capitol News Illinois
aadams@capitolnewsillinois.com

SPRINGFIELD – Lawmakers are heading back to their districts after three days of legislative session in Springfield this week that saw little movement on several major initiatives. 

They will have a week off before returning to Springfield on Nov. 7 for the second of their annual two-week veto session during which they consider bills the governor vetoed since they last met in the spring.

When they return, they’ll consider measures including reforms to the state’s nuclear policy and a potential extension of a controversial tax credit program that funds private school scholarships. 

 

Halal and kosher foods 

In a 43-15 vote Wednesday, the Senate passed a measure sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, that would require schools and state-run facilities like prisons to offer kosher and halal food options for those with religious dietary restrictions. 

The bill, Senate Bill 457, mirrors a similar proposal from Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid, D-Bridgeview, which Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed this summer due to technical concerns about the contracting language. 

The new bill would require the State Board of Education to identify and contract with vendors to provide kosher and halal food options to school districts. Once those master contracts are executed – provided that the General Assembly has allocated funding to do so – school districts would be required to adopt procedures regarding ordering, preparing, and serving prepackaged meals offered under the statewide contracts. 

Schools would not be required to offer these foods until ISBE enters into at least one master contract for the state. 

“There are districts that are doing this right now,” Villivalam said in an interview. “They have the option to continue to do it with the contracts they have entered into or they can enter into the master contract that’s created.”   

The bill was met with some pushback from Republican senators, who questioned the reasoning for some of the penalties for violating the bill’s provisions. 

Villivalam said during debate Wednesday that those and other concerns can be addressed through future amendments in the House or with follow-up legislation when the lawmakers return in the spring.

 

Energy policy 

Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Elwood, announced Wednesday that he would not pursue a veto override vote for a policy that would have granted downstate electric utilities – notably Ameren Illinois – the “right of first refusal” for transmission line construction, allowing them to have first crack at the projects. 

Pritzker this summer vetoed the portion of a broader bill containing the proposal, citing concerns about stifling competition and increasing consumer prices. 

Read more: Proponents drop push to give downstate utilities dibs on new transmission lines

While he conceded the veto override, Walsh said he will push for a broader bill that would provide the right of first refusal across the whole state in the spring. 

Pritzker also vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have partially lifted the state’s 1980s-era moratorium on new nuclear construction, writing in his veto message that it didn’t include sufficient protections for the “health and safety of Illinois residents who would live and work around these new reactors.” 

But since then, the original bill’s sponsor has introduced a new bill that she hopes addresses these concerns and Pritzker has indicated that he’s open to supporting a bill allowing some nuclear construction. 

“I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to get a bill that does that,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “We should be able to. We’re all competent adults who understand what the goal is and I believe there’s a strong majority of people who want to do this.” 

 

Private school scholarships

While there wasn’t a formal vote on the subject, advocates for the Invest in Kids tax credit program for donors to private school scholarship funds flooded the Statehouse this week to rally support for renewing the program before it’s scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

The program, which has been the subject of partisan debate for several years and was originally introduced as a concession to Republicans during the creation of the state’s evidence-based funding model for schools, was not extended during this year’s budget negotiations. 

Hundreds of advocates – including school uniform-clad children and a few nuns – rallied inside the Capitol, with their loud chanting in the rotunda at times interrupting debate on unrelated bills inside the House chamber.

Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, introduced a bill this week that would extend the program until 2028 with a $50 million budget cap, down from the $75 million it has received in recent years. It would also limit the individual tax credits to be 100 percent credit for the first $5,000 and a lower percentage credit for any donations beyond $5,000. It was previously 75 percent on all donations. 

Guerrero-Cuellar’s House Bill 4194 hasn’t been considered by any committees, meaning it cannot clear both chambers with just three session days left on the calendar this year. The topic will likely come up for discussion when lawmakers return in November, but for any negotiated extension of the program to pass in that second week of lawmakers’ session, the proposals would have to be moved to a bill that’s further along in the legislative process.

Capitol News Illinois’ Jennifer Fuller and Andrew Campbell contributed to this story. 

 

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of print and broadcast outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.

Leave a Comment





Local News

Senior Christian Flutman accounted for three touchdowns in Chicago Christian’s 53-16 playoff win against Illini West on Nov. 2. Photo by Mike Clark

Football roundup: Christian Flutman helps Chicago Christian advance

Christian Flutman rarely comes off the field for Chicago Christian and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The senior starts at quarterback and defensive back and also is the holder for kicks — duties that kept him plenty busy on Nov. 2 when the Knights rolled by visiting Illini West 53-16 in a Class…

CRR_NH

Clear-Ridge Reporter and NewsHound November 6, 2024

Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election. The event, held on Monday, Nov. 4, engaged all 1,100 students and staff in a hands-on experience of civics and democracy. (Supplied photos)

Oak Lawn-Hometown students back Trump in mock election

Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election. Even though they were too young to actually vote, students at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School participated in a mock election. The event, held Monday, Nov. 4, engaged all 1,100 students and staff in a hands-on civics and democracy experience. “I liked that…

Daniel Schmidt

Man arrested for battery at Orland Park polling place

A 24-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated battery, after causing a disturbance at the Orland Park Township Office on Sunday. Around 11 a.m., Orland Park police were dispatched to the polling location at 14807 Ravinia Ave. following reports of a man disrupting the voting line. Upon arrival, officers found Daniel Schmidt restrained…

Michaela Weaver sings the National Anthem at the beginning of the Veterans Day Observance in Worth Sunday morning. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Cloudy skies fail to dampen Veterans Day tribute in Worth

Under overcast skies and a brisk wind, Worth Mayor Mary Werner joined a crowd Sunday morning to honor veterans at the town’s annual Veterans Day Observance. The ceremony at the Eternal Flame Memorial on 111th Street and Harlem Avenue brought together local officials, Scouts, and community organizations to pay tribute to veterans from all eras.…

evergreen park logo

Evergreen Park cops nab suspects with license-plate reading camera help

Commendations are in order for members of the Evergreen Park Police Department who recently made a series of arrests that may have prevented major crimes. A license-plate reading camera alerted Evergreen Park police to a vehicle wanted by Markham Police for fleeing and eluding officers. Police found the vehicle parked at Aldi, 2541 W. 95th…

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. (Photo posted on GoFundMe.)

Community grieves after 16-year-old Argo High student fatally shot

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. Bahena, remembered for his vibrant personality and kind heart, was fatally shot in Summit on Nov. 1, leaving the school and community grieving his sudden loss.…

Carmen Casillas, 18, a Reavis High School student, had a painting on display Friday night at the Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn. An open house and art sale was held at the studio. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Acorn to Oak studios highlight young artistic talent in Oak Lawn

The organizers of Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn aim to celebrate all things art. The studio was founded in November 2022, with an initial information event held in the north wing of Pilgrim Faith Church, 9411 S. 51st Ave. The first official session took place on Feb. 5, 2023. Andrea Zumhagen, a co-founder…

Owners Holli and George Gaitan hold the ribbon while their children, Kai and Quinn, cut it during the grand opening on Oct. 31 for the Ancestral Oven and Sourdough Bakery and Cafe in Oak Lawn. Just behind George and to his right is Mayor Terry Vorderer and Trustee Ralph Soch (6th). (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Loaf at first sight: Oak Lawn gets its first sourdough spot

The Village of Oak Lawn welcomed its first sourdough bread bakery and cafe last week, and judging by the reception, it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. The grand opening of Ancestral Oven Sourdough Bakery and Cafe, located at 4616 W. 103rd St., took place the morning of Oct. 31. The owners are the…

Fate Richey (from left), Kendra Scott Foundation, Nuray Kavustuk, Lyle School Principal, Rea Culafi, Lyle School Librarian,
Allan Woodrow, children’s author,
Sierra Nelson, Kendra Scott Foundation, Katie Morlan, Kendra Scott Foundation, Crystal Skoczylas, Indian Springs District 109 Superintendent,
Dr. Christine Baldwin, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kelly Hernandez, Lyle Instructional Support Services. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Lyle School Library Wins Prestigious Kendra Scott Award

Lyle School in Bridgeview received a transformative boost on Oct. 30, with a $2,000 gift certificate from First Book to enhance its collection of multicultural and diverse books, and an additional $1,000 for literacy enrichment from the Kendra Scott Foundation. The initiative, part of the Little Yellow Library program, aims to support Title 1 schools…

Neighbors

Senior Christian Flutman accounted for three touchdowns in Chicago Christian’s 53-16 playoff win against Illini West on Nov. 2. Photo by Mike Clark

Football roundup: Christian Flutman helps Chicago Christian advance

Christian Flutman rarely comes off the field for Chicago Christian and he wouldn’t have it any other way. The senior starts at quarterback and defensive back and also is the holder for kicks — duties that kept him plenty busy on Nov. 2 when the Knights rolled by visiting Illini West 53-16 in a Class…

CRR_NH

Clear-Ridge Reporter and NewsHound November 6, 2024

Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election. The event, held on Monday, Nov. 4, engaged all 1,100 students and staff in a hands-on experience of civics and democracy. (Supplied photos)

Oak Lawn-Hometown students back Trump in mock election

Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School took to the polls during a mock election. Even though they were too young to actually vote, students at Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School participated in a mock election. The event, held Monday, Nov. 4, engaged all 1,100 students and staff in a hands-on civics and democracy experience. “I liked that…

Daniel Schmidt

Man arrested for battery at Orland Park polling place

A 24-year-old man was arrested on multiple charges, including aggravated battery, after causing a disturbance at the Orland Park Township Office on Sunday. Around 11 a.m., Orland Park police were dispatched to the polling location at 14807 Ravinia Ave. following reports of a man disrupting the voting line. Upon arrival, officers found Daniel Schmidt restrained…

Michaela Weaver sings the National Anthem at the beginning of the Veterans Day Observance in Worth Sunday morning. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Cloudy skies fail to dampen Veterans Day tribute in Worth

Under overcast skies and a brisk wind, Worth Mayor Mary Werner joined a crowd Sunday morning to honor veterans at the town’s annual Veterans Day Observance. The ceremony at the Eternal Flame Memorial on 111th Street and Harlem Avenue brought together local officials, Scouts, and community organizations to pay tribute to veterans from all eras.…

evergreen park logo

Evergreen Park cops nab suspects with license-plate reading camera help

Commendations are in order for members of the Evergreen Park Police Department who recently made a series of arrests that may have prevented major crimes. A license-plate reading camera alerted Evergreen Park police to a vehicle wanted by Markham Police for fleeing and eluding officers. Police found the vehicle parked at Aldi, 2541 W. 95th…

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. (Photo posted on GoFundMe.)

Community grieves after 16-year-old Argo High student fatally shot

Students and staff at Argo Community High School are mourning the death of Jaydin Bahena, a 16-year-old junior who was killed in an act of violence over the weekend. Bahena, remembered for his vibrant personality and kind heart, was fatally shot in Summit on Nov. 1, leaving the school and community grieving his sudden loss.…

Carmen Casillas, 18, a Reavis High School student, had a painting on display Friday night at the Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn. An open house and art sale was held at the studio. (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Acorn to Oak studios highlight young artistic talent in Oak Lawn

The organizers of Acorn to Oak Studios in Oak Lawn aim to celebrate all things art. The studio was founded in November 2022, with an initial information event held in the north wing of Pilgrim Faith Church, 9411 S. 51st Ave. The first official session took place on Feb. 5, 2023. Andrea Zumhagen, a co-founder…

Owners Holli and George Gaitan hold the ribbon while their children, Kai and Quinn, cut it during the grand opening on Oct. 31 for the Ancestral Oven and Sourdough Bakery and Cafe in Oak Lawn. Just behind George and to his right is Mayor Terry Vorderer and Trustee Ralph Soch (6th). (Photos by Joe Boyle)

Loaf at first sight: Oak Lawn gets its first sourdough spot

The Village of Oak Lawn welcomed its first sourdough bread bakery and cafe last week, and judging by the reception, it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. The grand opening of Ancestral Oven Sourdough Bakery and Cafe, located at 4616 W. 103rd St., took place the morning of Oct. 31. The owners are the…

Fate Richey (from left), Kendra Scott Foundation, Nuray Kavustuk, Lyle School Principal, Rea Culafi, Lyle School Librarian,
Allan Woodrow, children’s author,
Sierra Nelson, Kendra Scott Foundation, Katie Morlan, Kendra Scott Foundation, Crystal Skoczylas, Indian Springs District 109 Superintendent,
Dr. Christine Baldwin, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Kelly Hernandez, Lyle Instructional Support Services. (Photos by Carol McGowan)

Lyle School Library Wins Prestigious Kendra Scott Award

Lyle School in Bridgeview received a transformative boost on Oct. 30, with a $2,000 gift certificate from First Book to enhance its collection of multicultural and diverse books, and an additional $1,000 for literacy enrichment from the Kendra Scott Foundation. The initiative, part of the Little Yellow Library program, aims to support Title 1 schools…